INSIDE THE BEARS.

Injured Smith Vows He'll Play Vs. Bengals

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — No sooner do some Bears injuries start healing than others surface that will affect the lineups for at least the next few days, in some cases longer.

Cornerback Thomas Smith was on crutches Sunday with his right knee in a brace after sustaining a deep thigh bruise that could keep him out of Saturday night's game in Cincinnati against the Bengals.

"I should be back Tuesday," said Smith, who has missed only two regular-season games in his seven NFL seasons. But the Bears' medical staff wasn't so sure.

Trainer Tim Bream said Smith's status for Cincinnati is unknown at this point. Smith's knee brace is locked in the bent position to keep the muscle from spasming, and he will be evaluated as the week goes on.

Defensive tackle Ken Anderson underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Friday and is expected to be out for several weeks. Chris Mims played despite his injured left thigh and reported some soreness, but expects to practice this week and play in Cincinnati, hopefully better than he did in the win over Cleveland.

"I was slow," said Mims, who missed extended practice time because of his injury. "The game was a lot faster than I was."

The Bears talked about former Green Bay defensive tackle Gilbert Brown several weeks ago, but had no interest in him at the price he was asking.

Their defensive tackle situation got a boost Saturday with the play of No. 2 draft pick Russell Davis, who came back from a subpar first game to collect a sack and put pressure on Browns quarterbacks.

"Actually I was a lot more nervous about the first game than I was this one," Davis said. "That was a measuring stick of where I am. Each game I want to build and improve on something."

Returning: Kick returner Glyn Milburn, who didn't play in the first two exhibition games last year, was out of the first two this year, too, as the Bears experimented with Eddie Kennison returning kickoffs and R.W. McQuarters returning punts.

Milburn said he expects to be in the lineup at Cincinnati.

Shuffling: Chad Overhauser, who blocked for Cade McNown as an All-American guard and tackle at UCLA, is moving from tackle to right guard, where he will challenge Rex Tucker for the No. 3 job.

Overhauser has come back from a season lost with a torn hamstring to have one of the better camps among offensive linemen.

"He's come along well and seems to be moving a lot better, and he's using his hands better in pass protection," said line coach Bob Wylie.

"He's always been a smart guy, so he knows all his assignments. He's competing for a spot. He has more confidence, and when you have more confidence, you look better."